Machine tool control



Jan. 20, 1948. c. JOHNSON 2,434,853

MACHINE 'roon CONTRLQLQ Original Filed March zosieg; 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 a a n. cn

FIG.

3nnentor CLARgNCE JOHNSON VT M Q Jan. 20, 1948.

C. JOHNSON momma T001. coumqm.

Original Filed March 20, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet. 2

FIG. 2

CLARENCE JOHNSON Snventor u- 1 AIR I SUPPLY v attorney c. JOHNSON imcmma moon common Original Filed larch 20, 1941 4 Shets-Sheet s inventor CLARENCE JOHNSON V attorney Patented-lam, 1948 Clarence lohnlom'sonth Euclid, Ohio, auignor to Bailey Meter Company, a corporation oi Delaware Original application March 20, 1941, Serial No. 884,375, now Patent No. 2,372,428, dated March Divided and this application April This invention relates to duplicators ior controlling the operation a machine tool so that it iorms a work piece to a contour or coniiguration determined by a template, pattern, or

cam.

One of the objects 0! my invention is to improve the sensitivity of dupllcators oi the type described, and thereby increase the accuracy with which the work piece is formed.

A further obiect of my invention is to provide a duplicator oi materially simpler construction than those now available.

A further object oi my invention is to provide a duplicator'employing no moving parts in the teeler mechanism scanning the template, pattern or cam.

In accordance with my inventionthe template, pattern or cam tor producing the desired configuration oi thework piece is scanned by a jet of fluid issuing from a nozzle, so that variations in the shape of the template, pattern or cam Claims. (01. 90-02) ample I will illustrate 2 and describe my'invention as applied to lathes. Further applications and modifications of the invention will be read- Ily apparent. In the drawing:

Fig. l is a plan view of an engine lathe illustrating the application of a term of my invention thereto.

Fig. 2 illustrates diagrammatically the various circuits employed in the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates to larger size and in greater detail the tracer mechanism shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternate arrangement of tracer and nozzle mechanism which may be incorporated in the various embodiments of my invention.

cause corresponding changes in the rate at which fluid is discharged from the nozzle, which changes in turn control the relative movement of the tool and work piece.

. Further, in accordance with my invention the changes in the rate at which fluid is discharged from the nozzle eflect corresponding variations in the pressure of the fluid in the nozzle, which latter variations are used to control the relative positioning of the tool and work piece.

Further, in accordance with my invention the changes in fluid pressure control the relative positioning of the tool and work piece through'a hydraulic relay and servomotor, to the end that ample power is available for accurately positioning the tool relative to the work piece.

Further, in accordance with my invention the relative rates of movement'between the tool and work piece in two directions are simultaneously controlled, so that the rate of feed ofthe tool remains substantially constant regardless of changesin contour of the template, pattern or can.

Further, in accordance with my invention separate and independent means are provided for controlling the rate of relative movement between tool and work piece in each direction.

Obviously, a duplicator oi the type forming the subject matter of my invention may be employed with machine tools of various types, such as milling machines, lathes, slotters, planners, die-sinking machines and the like in which the relative teed between the tool and work may be suitably controlled. By way of e!- Fig. 5 illustrates a modified form of tracer mechanism.

Figs. 6 and 7 are elevation and plan views respectively of another'iorm ottracer mechanism.

Fig. 8 illustrates a iurther modified form of tracer mechanism.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the carriage I5I is arranged to be positioned longitudinally along the lathe I by a servo-motor I52 having a piston rod I53 operatively connected to the carriage. A cross-slide I54. mounted on the carriage I5I is positioned transversely by means of a similar servo-motor I55 secured to and movable with the carriage I5I. In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig. l the tool I54A carried by the cross-slide I54 is positioned to form a work piece I56 to conform with the shape of a pattern or template I51.

.As the carriage I5I is positioned along the .lathe by the servo-motor I52 transverse changes in the profile of the pattern I51 efiect corresponding changes in the relative positions of a pivoted follower or ieeler I58 and nozzle I59. The nozzle I59 is supplied with fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, from a source I (not shown), through a shut-off valve I60, a reducing' valve ISIIA, a stabilizing volume tank IGI and a suitable resistance such as an oriflce I62. Compressed air is continuously discharged through thenozzle I58 to the atmosphere and changes in the position of the feeler I58 rela-' tive to the nozzle I59 cause changes in the pressure within the pipe I63 connecting the nozzle I59 to the orifice I62. Variations in pressure within the pipe I88 are transmitted through a pipe I64 to an expansible contractible chamber such as a bellows I65 positioning the movable valve member I of a pilot valve I81. The

pilot valve I81 controls the now of hydraulic fluid to and from a servo-motor I58. 3

when the profile o! the pattern In is paralfluid is transmitted neither to nor from the servo-motor I55 and the cross-slide I54 remains stationary relative to the carriage II. Assuming however by way of example that the feeler I58 moves toward the nozzle I58, the pressure within the pipe I63 and that transmitted to the bellows I65 will increase. proportionately. Such increase in pressure will cause the servo-motor I55 to position the cross-slide I54 so that the nozzle I58 carried thereby moves away from the feeler I58 until normaldistance is restored therebetween. the cross-slide I54 will be moved relative to the work piece I56 a corresponding amount, and hence the latter will be formed to the exact configuration of the pattern or template I51. Hydraullc fluid, such as oil, is supplied the pilot I61 by means of a pump I68 driven by a motor I68.

In mechanisms oi the type described, it is desirable to modify the rate of relative movement of tool and work piece in one direction whenever a relative movement of the tool and work piece in a second direction is required. Thus in the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 upon any change in shape of the pattern I51 requiring a transverse movement of the tool I54A the rate of travel of the carriage I5I along the lathe should be decreased so that the shape of the work piece I56 will closely conform to the shape of the pattern. To accomplish this I show the servo-motor I52 controlled by a control couple comprising the feeler I58 and a nozzle I81. So long as the profile of the pattern I51 is parallel to the line of travel of the carriage I5I the normal distance is maintained between the feeler The tool I54A also carried by' pressed air is supplied to nozzle I81 through an orifice I88 and pipe I88. Variations in pressure within the pipe I88 caused by changes In the relative positions of feeler I58 and nozzle I81 are transmitted to an expansible contractibie bellows I 88 through the pipe I M. Changes in pressure within the bellows I88 from that existing when the feeler I58 is the normal distance away from the nozzle I81 acts to position a valve member I82 of'a pilot valve I83. The pilot valve I83 may be considered as a variable fiuid'resistonce which acts to increase the resistance to fluid flow upon movement of the valve member I82 upwardly or downwardly from that position existing when the normal pressure is effective within the V bellows I80.

I58 and nozzle I81 so that the servo-motor I52 *latter and acting to slow down the rate of travelof the carriage I5I. Thus it may be said that the control couple comprising the feeler I58 and nozzle I81 acts to limit the maximum departure of the work piece I55 from the shape of the pattern I51. Upon a predetermined departure of the relative position of the feeler I58 and nozzle I81 from normal the system disclosed will stop the carriage I5I. thereby permitting the tool I54A to be positioned transversely of the axis of the lathe until such normal is reestablished. Preferably and by means hereinafter to be described, the relative positions of the nozzles I58 and I81 are adjustable so that the maximum tolerance between the shape ofthe workpiece I56 and pat tern I51'may be brought Within any desired limits. Thus the positioning of the nozzle I81 to the left, as shown in Fig. 1, will cause a greater change in air loading pressurefor a given change in the profile of pattern I51, and thereby cause a greater change in the rate of travel of the carriage I5I.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2, com- The servo-motor I52 is supplied with oil under pressure from a pump I84 driven by a motor I85. Conveniently the motor I84, pilot valve I83 and associated apparatus may be mounted upon and within a housing mm.

The oil after leaving the pump I84 passes through a four-way valve I96, and thence to the servo-motor I52 on one side of the piston I81. As the piston I 81 is positioned to the right, as shown in Fig. 2, by the oil from the pump I88, oil is discharged from the servo-motor I52 through a conduit I88, the four-way valve I96. thence through a three-way valve I88 to the pilot valve or variable resistance I83, whence it is discharged into the reservoir formed by the housing I1IIA. It will be noted that the full pressure developed by the pump I84 is effective for positioning the piston I81. The rate of travel thereof and accordingly of the carriage I5I is varied, however, by variably throttling the discharge of oil by means of the pilot valve or fluid resistance I83.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, I provide various safety and other devices for facilitating operation. Thus I show connected in the power supply to motors I68, I an air pressure failure switch 238 which prevents their operation unless air pressure is available for the nozzles I58, I81. Also shown connected in circuit with motor I85 are limit tors I68 and I are manually operable push buttons 235 and 236 respectively, which affords the operator instantaneous control over the transverse or longitudinal feed of the tool I54A.

As shown in Fig. 1 the tool I54A is arranged to traverse the work piece I56 from left to right. Upon the-tool reaching the end of the work piece motor I85 will be deenergized as heretofore described by switch 232 opening. The tool I54A can then be moved transversely away from the work piece I56 by the nozzle I58 and feeler I58 being manually moved relative to each other.

thereby causing the servo-motor I55 to position the cross-slide in proper direction. In order that the tool I54A may be returned to the left end of its travel I provide a hand operable lever 231 for simultaneously operating the four way valve I96 andthree-way valve I88. Thus upon away from the work. Lever 281 would then be shifted from stop 231A to 2813 and simultaneously the circuit to motor I85 closed by means of push button 234. Shifting of lever 281, as shown in Fig. 2, causes pipe I88 to be connected to pump I84 while the connection to servo-motor 1-52 at the opposite side of piston I81 isconnected directly to the oil reservoir formed by housing 118A through three-way valve I88. As full pressure developed by the pump I84 is available for positioning the piston I81 in reverse direction, and by virtue of the fact that the pilot valve I88 is by-passed, the reverse traverse will be made at ahigh speed.

In the event that it is desired to have the tool I54A feed in the reverse direction. that is from left to right, then bydisconnecting the lever 281 at 2316 from the three-way valve I88 so that "movement of the lever adjusts only the tour-way valve I88, then the pump I84 will deliver pressure fluid through the pipe-I88 to the servo-motor I52, whereas the cylinder of servomotor I52 on the opposite side of piston I81 will be-connected to the pilot valve I93; According- 1y, with such an arrangement the operation will be as previously described, except that the tool on the cross-slide I54. The feeler is urged in a clockwise direction by a spring 24I and. carries a projection 242 of essentially the same shape as the tool I54A, which bears against the pattern I51. Nozzles I58 and I81 are adjustably mounted on a bar 243 pivotally mounted in bracket 248, and urged against a stop 244 by in Figs. 6 and '1, the feeler 258 is adjusted rein F 8. 6 I show in elevation and in Fig. '1 in Plan View a further modified form of tracer mechanism. Therein a i'eeler 258 is vertically mounted in a flexible diaphragm 251 and has a projection 252 adapted to bear against, the pattern I51.

The diaphragm 25! is secured "to a support 253 mounted on the cross-slide I54. As the meleetion 252 is oscillated in any direction in following the contour of the cam I51 the feeler 258 is correspondingly oscillated toward 'or away from the nozzles I58, I81, thereby controlling the movement of the tool I54A as heretofore described. Preierably the'iace of the feeler 258 adjacent the nozzles I58 and I81 is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal and transverse motion of the cross-slide I84 as shown more clearly in Fig. 7. Likewise the face of the feeler 258 lies in a plane at an ange to the plane of the nozzles I58, m as indicated by a m Fig. 7.

Such construction permits-the feeler 258 to accurately control the operation of the cross-slide notwithstanding that the pattern I51 has a profile edge at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the lathe. In other words, the construction shown makes it possible for the i'eeler 258 to move towardor away from the nozzles I58 and I81 when the projection 252 is moving at right angles to the line of movement of the carriage Hit in following the profile of the pattern. Initially, with the tracer construction shown ative to the nozzles I58 and I81 so that the inherent resiliency of the flexible diaphragm 251 urges the extension 252 toward the pattern.

willmove awayfrom the nozzles 258 and I81.

a spring 245. Transverse depressions in the pattern or template I51 cause the ieeler- I58 to move away from the nozzles I59 and I81, whereas transverse rises therein cause the ieeler I58 to move toward the nozzles I58 and I81.

By having the nozzles I58 and I81 adjustable, the speed with .which the carriage I5I is positioned longitudinally along the lathe or the crosssllde I54 transversely thereof may be varied. Likewise having the nozzle I81 adjustable relative to the nozzle I58 permits the transverse speed of the cross-slide I54 to be varied relative to the longitudinal speed thereof. Such adjustment afiords a ready means for conforming the operation of the tool to the proflle of the particular pattern or template to be duplicated.

In Fig. 5 I illustrate a modified form of tracer mechanism wherein a feeler 248 is pivotally mounted on a support 241 secured to the crossslide I54. ,Thefeeler 246 is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 248 so that the projection 242 bears against the patte'm I51. Variations in the shape of the pattern I51 cause the feeler 246 to move toward-or away from the nozzles I58 and I81, which eontrohthe operation of the carriagei5l and cross-slide I54 as here- 'toiore described. The nozzles I58 and I81 are adjustably mounted on a vertical support 248 In Fig. 8 I show a further modified form or tracer mechanism. In this construction a feeier 254 engages the pattern I51 and has a laterally extending flange 255 disposedgwithin a housing 258. The flange 255 has a circular groove forming a ball race in which are disposed ball bearings 251. The flange 255 is urged downwardly against the lower face of the housing by spring members 258 carrying at their outer extremities a ball race 258 carrying ball bearings 258A hearing against the upper face of the housing 255.

' The Ieeler 254 is movable in any direction in a horizontal plane by changes in the profile of the pattern I51. Such horizontal movements are translated into corresponding vertical movements of a plunger 258 through a ball 2,6I disposed in mating conical recesses in the feeler 254 and plunger-288. Vertical movements-of the recess in the. feeler 254 is ofiset from the apex of the conical recess in the plunger 268 when normal distance exists between the nozzles I58, I81 and bell crank 282.- The apexes of the two conical recesses are urged toward alignment however by a spring 262A bearing against the bell crank 252. Such downward urging of the plunger 288 also urges the feeler 254 against the pattern I51, so that a declivity in the pattern causes the bell crank 282, for example, to approach the nozzles I58 and I81, whereas a projection causes it to recede therefrom.

ments of tool and work piece along two related paths, I have provided a separate nozzle for controlling the movement along each path. As I have pointed out, such construction affords a maximum flexibility in that the mechanism is readily adjustable so that the work piece may be made to conform to the pattern or template within any desired tolerances. In some instances,

however, it, may be preferable to employ a single nozzle which will control the relative movements of the tool and work piece along the two related paths simultaneously, and in Fig. 4 I show such a construction which may be incorporated .ln'the various embodiments of my invention I have shown and described.

Referring to Fig. 4, the teeler I58 is arranged to traverse the pattern I51 as the tool 158A, for

may control the servo-motor I52 regulating the.

rate of travel of the carriage I51, and variations in pressure within pipe 33I may control the servomotor I55 regulating transverse movements of the cross-slide I54. It will be evident to those familiar with the art that the modification shown in Fig. 4 may equally as well be applied to the other embodiment of my invention previously described.

The nozzle 330 is shown as being adjustable along a bar-333 pivoted at 334 and urged against a suitable stop 335 by a spring 338. The feeler I58 is likewise urged toward the pattern I51 by a spring 331. Such adjustment makes it possible to vary the change in longitudinal rate of travel and simultaneously the transverse feed of movement toward and away from the port governing the rate of discharge of fluid therefrom. That is to say when the follower I58 is positioned in a counterclockwise direction, as for example when the feeler 2'42 encounters a rise in the template I51, the follower I58 is positioned closer to the port I81 and the rate of discharge from the port is decreased. Conversely when a depression in the template I51 is encountered by the feeler or tracer edge 242 then the follower I58 is posttioned in a clockwise direction and departs from the endof the nozzle I81, thereby increasing-the rate of flow of fluid (air) from the nozzle I81. Suchchanges in the rate of discharge from the port or nozzle I81 efiect corresponding changes in the pressure of the fluid within the nozzle, a

decrease in the rate of discharge effecting an increase-in the pressure of the fluid within the pressure.

This application constitutes a division of my copending application Serial No. 384,375, flied March 21, 1941, now Patent No. 2,372,426, granted March 27, 1945, and is directed particularly to that portion of my invention constituting tracer mechanisms. Other features of my invention dis- .closed but not claimed herein are disclosed and claimed in said parent application or in other divisional applications copending.

In connection with the tracer mechanisms described herein I use certain terminology which is wellunderstood in the art. For example, the portion I81 is spoken of as a nozzle from which a jet of fluid is discharged to the atmosphere, The opening of the nozzle is also referred to as a port. The nozzle in conjunction with the follower I58 I term a control couple and, of course, more common language would be to call the nozzle and follower a valve for the two coact to control the rate of discharge of fluid from the connected pipe. It will be appreciated that the invention relates to the apparatus-disclosed irrespective of what particular terminology is used to describe the individual parts thereof. In general, it will be seen that the rate of discharge of fluid from the nozzle I81 is controlled by the distance of the follower l58 from the port of the nozzle and therefore by the-change in position of the feeler 242 as it scans the profile of the template I51. Obviously, while I am referring particularly at the moment to the nozzle I81 and the follower I58, I am referring also in general to all of the rest of my disclosure where it encompasses a nozzle and follower, or similar couple. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the follower I58 to have a projection scanning the template I51, as there may be intermediary elements or there may be other assembly construction as disclosed.

0n the premise that a constant fluid pressure is supplied to the nozzle I81 it will then be understood that any deviation in the rate of discharge from the nozzle will correspondingly be reflected in the back pressure or the pressure within the pipe between the nozzle I81 and the orifice I88 (for example) and thus within the pipe I9I and the bellows I98. Therefore, the bellows I90 will continually be sensitive to the pressure within the pipe ISI, likewise sensitive to the pressure within the nozzle I81, and likewise sensitive to changes in the contour of the pattern or template I 51.

If the profile of the template I51 is a straight line and is parallel to the axis of the rotating work piece I 55, then the rate of discharge of fluid through the nozzle I31 is constant, the pressure within the pipe I 3i and bellows 1301s steady, and the tool is moved longitudinally along the work piece at a, uniform selected maximum rate of travel. At the same time the pressure within the nozzle I59 and bellows I65 is uniform or normal, the piston I55A is stationary, and the tool is not moved transversely of the work piece.

If the profile of the template I51 is a straight line but is inclined toward or away from the center line or axis of the rotating work piece I58,

then the tool will cut the work piece to a taper. The piston I55A will move the tool smoothly toward or away from the axis of the work piece at a speed depending upon the angle between the profile of the template and the axis of the work piece. The rate of speed of the tool in a longitudinal travel direction will be decreased from its normal or maximum speed and it will be decreased an amount depending upon the angle beassure tween the profile oi the template and the axis of the'work piece. In other words. as the taper betool to produce the desired finished work piece; By corresponding is meant that not only i th pattem or template the same shape as the desire work piece, either in greater or smaller proportion thereto; but also that the pattern or template may be in any desired distorted shape to compensate it for characteristics of the mechanism. While the pattern or template must correspond to the desired work piece, it is not necessarily identical in contour, and, therefore, the term correspond" implies that the pattern or template is purposely designed to result in th desired contour of the work piece to be produced.

a baiiie for said nozzle pivotallymounted on said housing arranged to be positioned relative the nozzle by said axially positionable means for re lating the rate or discharge or pressure fluid from said nozzle in accordance with the profile oi the pattern.

3.A tracer mechanism for machine tools and the like having a relatively movable tool and work piece, a pattern having a profile corresponding to the desired shape of the work piece, and control means for relatively moving the tool and work piece; comprising a, tracer arm scanning the pattern as the tool traverses the work I use the terms contour, profile, shape and the like in a broad sense and not with any limiting distinction between the profile of a two-dimensional silhouette or the surface configuration of a body for example. In general, the pattern dictates the desired shapeof the work piece. I use profile and contour interchangeably. The pattern has the desired shape, although not necessarily the exact shape.

For a further more detailed explanation of the construction and operational features of the relay IB'I and of the fluid resistance I93, reference should be had to my parent application, Serial No.384,375,andnowPatenet No. 2,372,426, granted March 27, 1945, of which this present application is a division.

While in accordance with the patent statutes I have described certain embodiments of my invention, it is evident that such embodiments may be modified in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such embodiments of my invention as I have chosen to describe should, therefore, be taken as merely i1 lustrative and not as limiting.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A tracer mechanism for producing a control efiect correspond ng to the profile of a pattern,

comprising, a housing, a feeler adapted to scan the profile of the pattern and mounted in said housing with capacity for lateral movement in any direction in one plane, means mounted in -said housing arranged for axial movement and adapted to establish a control effect, means cooperating with said feeler and first means for translating a lateral movement of said feeler in any direction to an axial movement of said first means, and a nozzle discharging a pressure fluid .to atmosphere, said axially positionable means arranged to vary the rate of discharge.

2.- A tracer mechanism for producing a control eflect corresponding to the profile of a pattern, comprising, a housing, a feeler adapted to scan the profile of the pattern and mounted in said housing with capacity for lateral movement in any direction in one plane, means mounted in said housing arranged for axial movement and adapted to establish a control eifect, means cooperating with said feeler and first means for translating a lateral movement of said feeler in any direction to an axial movement of said first dienhnr innr a nrassnre fluid to atmosphere. and

and universally movable in any direction in the plane-of scanning of the pattern, and a member capable of movement along a single path as the result of movement of the tracer arm, said member by its position regulatingthe discharge'of a pressure fluid toatmosphere. q

4. A tracer mechanism for machine tools and the like having a relatively movable tool and work piece, a pattern having a profile corresponding to the desired shape of the work piece, and control means for relatively moving the tool and work piece; comprising a tracer arm scanning the pattern as the tool traverses the work and universally movable in any direction. in the plane of scanning of the pattern, a member capable of movement. along a single path as a result of work piece, a pattern having a profile corre.-'

sponding to the desired shape-of the work piece, and control means for relatively'moving the tool and work piece; comprising a tracer arm scanning the pattern as the tool traverses the work and universally movable in any direction in the plane of scanning of the pattern, a member capable of movement along a single path as a result of movement of the tracer arm. a valve normally discharging fluid at a constant rate to the atmosphere, variations in said rate regulat-t ing the control means, and a controller for the valve positioned by the member.

6. A tracer mechanism for machine tools and the like having a relatively movable tool and work piece, a pattern having a profile corresponding to the desired shape ofthe work piece and control means for relatively moving the tooland work piece; comprising support means, a tracer arm mounted on said support means, said tracer arm scanning the pattern as the tool traverses the work and arranged to move in any direction in a singleplane, a flexible diaphragm mounting for the tracer arm intermediate the ends thereof, and a valve mounted on said support means, said valve normally discharging fluid at a constant rate to the atmosphere, variations in said rate regulating the control means, the endportion of the tracer arm remote from the pattern being disposed in the path of said discharge for regulating said valve.

'7. A tracer mechanism for machine tools and the like having a relatively movable tool and work piece, a pattern having a profile corresponding to the desired shape of the work piece.

and control means for relatively moving the tool and work piece; comprising support means, a tracer arm mounted on said support means, said tracer arm scanning the pattern .as the tool 11 traversesthe work and arran ed to move in any direction in a single plane, a flexible diaphragm mounting for the tracer arm intermediate the remote i'rom the pattern being disposed in the path of said discharge for regulating said valve.

CLARENCE JOHNSON.

J endsthereof, the flexible diaphragm being iasaeaaess amass orran The following references are of record in the file 01 this patentu v Number Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Steiner July 9,1935 Scott Sept. 28, 1911 Anderson Mar. 27, 1934 Sassen May 15, 1934 Johnson Oct. 21, 1941 Turchan Oct. 12, 1943 Wall July 9, 1935 FOREIGN PA ENT Country Date France July 10, 1939 

